[ID: Eight images comprising an infographic about the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines.
[1] The first image shows a needle inserted into a vial. The title is, “Pfizer vs. Moderna Covid-19 vaccine / What’s the difference?” and is credited to Amanda Howell, MPH. The rest of the images read as follows:
[2] Both are mRNA Vaccines
Covid-19 mRNA vaccines provide instructions for our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the “spike protein.” The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes Covid-19.
Covid-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. Once the instructions (mRNA) are inside the muscle cells, the cells follow the instructions and make the protein piece. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them.
Next, the cell displays the protein piece on its surface (showing off its work). Our immune system recognizes that the protein doesn’t belong there and begins making antibodies.
After developing antibodies, our immune system has learned how to protect against future infection.
The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is those vaccinated gain this protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with Covid-19.
Facts about Covid-19 mRNA Vaccines:
They cannot give someone Covid-19. mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes Covid-19.
They do not affect or interact with our DNA in any way. mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is kept. The cell breaks down and gets rid of the mRNA soon after it is finished using the instructions.
[There is a Bitmoji of a light-skinned person pointing up at the sky. A DNA strand, a water molecule, an atom, a magnet, and an Erlenmeyer flask are floating around them. Above them is green text that says, “Science!”]
[3] MRNA Technology
mRNA technology was discovered over 30 years ago and has been studied for vaccine purposes for nearly two decades.
In fact, scientists have been working on a coronavirus vaccine since the SARS and MERS outbreaks but funding dried up. No funding, no scientific advancements. (Look at what we can accomplish when we fund science!)
Early-stage clinical trials using mRNA vaccines have been carried out for influenza, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Recent technological advancements in RNA biology and chemistry, as well as delivery systems, have mitigated these challenges and improved their stability, safety, and effectiveness.
[The same Bitmoji from before is shown at a chemistry table with several bubbling vials and flasks.]
[4] Pfizer vs. Moderna Vaccine
Pfizer is 95% effective, Moderna is 94.5% effective
Pfizer is 30 [microgramme] mcg doses given 21 days apart, Moderna is 100 mcg dones given 28 days apart
Pfizer has 5 dose vials, Moderna has 10 dose vials
Pfizer must be diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride, Moderna requires no dilution
Pfizer must be stored at -112 to -76 degrees Fahrenheit [-80 to -60 degrees Celsius], Moderna at -13 to -5 Fahrenheit [-25 to about -20.56 Celsuis]
Pfizer’s trial had 36,621 participants, Moderna’s had 30,350
Pfizer is approved for use in people over the age of 16, Moderna for people over the age of 18.
Pfizer published safety and final efficacy results from Phas 3 on December 10th, 2020. Moderna announced primary efficacy analysis in Phas 3 on November 30, 2020
[5] Ingredients in the Vaccine
There has been complete transparency around ingredients. You can find the fact sheet posted online and in the reference section of this post.
Lipids (including ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), 2[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, and cholesterol)
Monobasic potassium phosphate
Dibasic sodium phosphate dehydrate
Good news for those that may have concerns or are vaccine-hesitant. There is no aluminum, mercury, or food allergens.
[6] Side Effects/Immune Response
Most commonly reported side effects:
This is called an “immune response.” This is response without infection and it’s a good thing!
These short term, easily managed side effects are significantly less risky than taking your chances with Covid-19 infection.
[The Bitmoji from before is shown surrounded by germs. They have their arms up and look alarmed, and text under them says, “i think i’m getting sick”.]
[7] 99% Survival Rate
A commonly asked question is “why should I get vaccinated if the Covid-19 infection has a 99% survival rate?”
Surviving and thriving are incredibly different.
Covid-19 symptoms can persist for months. The virus can damage the lungs, heart, and brain, which increases the risk of long-term health problems. Even young, otherwise healthy people can feel unwell for weeks to months after infection.
How organs may be affected by Covid-19:
Heart: Imaging tests taken months after recovery from Covid-19 have shown lasting damage to the heart muscle, even in people who experienced only mild Covid-19 symptoms. This may increase the risk of heart failure or other heart complications in the future.
Lungs: The type of pneumonia often associated with Covid-19 can cause long-standing damage to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. The resulting scar tissue can lead to long-term breathing problems.
Brain: Even in young people, Covid-19 can cause strokes, seizures and Guillain-Barre syndrome—a condition that causes temporary paralysis. Covid-19 may also increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Short-term side effects and 95% vaccine efficacy > long term health damages from Covid-19 infection
[8] Please get vaccinated
The vaccine benefits outweigh the known risks of contracting Covid-19.
When the vaccine reaches your group, please get the vaccine. The sooner we vaccinate and establish herd immunity the sooner we can remove our masks and hug our friends again.
[The Bitmoji is shown at a water cooler. They are smiling and holding a paper cone.]
- Your friendly public health professional
